Intensive washing in a washing machine: what is it and what is it for?

How often have you taken freshly washed clothes out of the washing machine and been unhappy with the results? For many, intensive washing is an extreme measure, which can lead to deformation of the fabric and the item losing its former appearance. Because of such fears, housewives make a common mistake, namely, they try to wash stubborn stains on a delicate cycle or at too low temperatures. To get the most out of your machine and avoid wasting time, it is important to understand what exactly a stain removal program is.

Key Features

It is used in cases where it is necessary to wash heavily soiled items and if other more gentle modes are not able to wash the laundry. The very term “intensive washing” indicates that the automatic machine will work at the limit of its capabilities, consuming a lot of water, electrical energy and washing powder.

The process itself occurs in several stages, the temperature is extremely high, and the drum rotates as quickly as possible. These conditions help get rid of strong and stubborn stains. Only the most durable and unpretentious fabrics can withstand such a test, otherwise the item will either “shrink” or fade. In some models, this program is called “boiling”, which is not far from the truth.

Washing before washing

Pre-washing is often compared to soaking. However, this is not a completely fair comparison. This mode replaces manual washing of clothes. It is used if things are very dirty or have stubborn stains. For example, when you need to wash work clothes, a tablecloth accidentally spilled with drinks, or children's pants in which the child fell into a puddle.

Main characteristics

Intensive washing takes place in several stages:

Pre-soak for 20-25 minutes. Thanks to it, the fabric completely absorbs water, and the washing powder has time to penetrate into the dirt itself.
Slow rotations of the drum lasting about 25 minutes.
The speed limit in hot water with serious mechanical load is half an hour.
Intensified rinsing and final spinning stage.

The times are approximate, as specific values depend on the machine model. But this clearly demonstrates that the whole process lasts at least 2 times longer than in the standard mode. It usually takes from 1.5 to 3 hours at an average water temperature of 60 to 90 degrees.

If the machine is not equipped with a function for automatically selecting the speed of revolutions or you can set them manually, then you should adhere to the following recommendations:

linen and cotton - maximum 1400 rpm;
denim products - 800 rpm;
synthetics - 600 rpm.

Washing rules

Choosing the right modes protects things from damage and rapid aging. Even the smartest and most expensive automatic machine will not be able to give things cleanliness and shine if the owner has not been able to prepare it and the laundry for work and set the necessary conditions.

Rules for preparing laundry for washing:

Pre-sort items according to fabric color, composition and level of contamination.
Bed linen is freed from feathers, debris and threads accumulated in the corners.
Check pockets and empty them of all objects and dust.
Fasten all the buttons. The zippers are fastened and secured.
Separate belts, hoods, and other removable parts. Remove items that cannot be washed.
All parts of one garment should be washed together so that they have the same appearance after washing. Even if individual parts do not need to be washed, it is better to load them with the rest.
The sewn beads are secured. Decorative elements that may fly off are sewn up with thin fabric.
Pants, skirts, knitted items are turned inside out.
For complex products, special mesh bags are used.
If you need to wash bulky items (jackets, blankets), you can first lightly moisten them with water - this makes it easier to place them in the drum.
To facilitate the operation of the machine, high-quality washing and rinsing, wash items of different sizes together - large and small.
Load the machine within the recommended limits, do not push excess things with your knee.
They use detergents for automatic machines and according to the type of laundry.
Powders and gels are placed in the appropriate compartments without exceeding the norm.
Set the desired mode, check the presence of cold water in the tap and start the wash.

A few more important recommendations:

washed laundry should be immediately removed from the drum and hung up - this way things will wrinkle less and ironing will be easier;
if there are traces of powder left in the laundry, you can start rinsing and spinning;
Liquid and capsule detergents are better rinsed out of things.

You should not use excessive amounts of detergent - this will not improve the quality of washing, it will simply make rinsing more difficult.

Using the mode

An intensive wash cycle is a shock therapy for both the machine itself and the clothes. It should be used only when necessary, when there is no other way to get rid of contaminants. Otherwise, the service life of the machine will decrease, and the laundry will quickly lose its original appearance. The optimal number of uses is no more than 3 times a month.

It is recommended to fill the drum no more than 50% of the maximum values. If it is almost empty or overloaded, then it will not be possible to wash clothes effectively. According to experiments, in such cases the quality of stain removal decreases by no less than 25%.

Since the main process is preceded by soaking, the detergent is loaded into two compartments designed for this at once. At the same time, it is consumed two to three times more than under normal conditions. So, for 1 kg of laundry you should use at least 2 tbsp. spoons of washing powder.

In order not to spoil things, before loading them into the drum, you must look at the labels on all products. If the manufacturer has specified a permissible limit of 90°C, then you can safely subject the fabric to a high-temperature wash cycle. This is most often true for durable cotton, linen, denim and synthetics. It is strictly forbidden to wash silk, wool, shoes and outerwear.

Useful functions of washing machines

In addition to the standard set of operations and modes, washing machines from various manufacturers may have useful additional functions that will help make washing even more convenient and efficient. Draining without spinning and additional rinsing are not surprising to the modern consumer with these capabilities, but there are some capabilities of washing machines that are worth saying a little more about.

Drying clothes. This function is available in Candy CSW 105, Hotpoint-Ariston ARMXX D 129, LG F1496AD3, Bosch WVG30461OE. Allows you to remove dry laundry after washing. This possibility is realized by a second heating element and hot air flows. Do not dry delicate fabrics or items with heat-sensitive fittings, acrylic designs or stickers.
Half load. Presented in Samsung WF8590NMW9, ZANUSSI ZWY 1100 and others. At the same time, electronic sensors independently calculate the water level required for washing.
Child protection. An extremely useful feature. Completely eliminates the possibility of switching the program during operation. Available in models Whirlpool AWS 63013, Electrolux EWC 1350, Indesit IWSB 5085 (CIS) and many others.
Delayed start Whirlpool TDLR 65230, BEKO ELB 67031 PTYA, Hansa AWS510LH. A convenient mode that saves time for busy people. You can get fresh laundry in the morning or after returning from work.

Depending on what functions are right for you, you should choose a washing machine. The choice of models is wide and it’s difficult not to get confused in all this variety, but knowing your tasks and requirements for a washing machine, it will be easier for you to choose the best option for yourself and not overpay for an unnecessary option.

Advice:
A few secrets for better washing results
sort items by color and fabric type;
use high-quality detergents and water softeners;
do not forget to periodically descale the washing machine using special means;
remove coins and other small objects from pockets so that they do not spill into the drum during washing;
monitor the weight of the things you loaded into the tank - it is better not to allow excess.

If you follow all operating rules and recommendations of clothing manufacturers, then washing will always bring excellent results, and the washing machine itself will last a long time and without interruption. Different washing modes in the washing machine will help you properly and carefully care for your clothes, shoes and textiles. A properly selected washing regime is the key to clean clothes and tidy owners!

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Intensive cycle in different brands of washing machines

In Bosch automatic machines, intensive washing is indicated by the symbol of a T-shirt with stains, sometimes signed as “Energetic”. In most models, you can select the temperature at which it will occur - it is 60°C or 90°C. Performed at a speed of 1200 rpm. Suitable for durable textiles made of cotton and linen, resistant to boiling and mechanical stress.

On the panel of a Samsung washing machine, the program in question is also indicated by a dirty T-shirt icon. Some new models have the “Intensive Eco Wash” function, which allows you to get rid of even heavy soiling in just 60-120 minutes. This option combines softness and intensity, and is suitable even for delicate fabrics. Sometimes Eco involves the use of powders with enzymes. Their active components perfectly break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

In the Indesit machines, in the standard programs section, there are three modes for removing stubborn stains, two of which are designed for linen and cotton. This is a cycle with a soak at 90°C and an option without soaking at a similar temperature. For synthetic fabrics there is a separate thorough cleaning mode at 60°C. At the same time, the design of most Indesit models allows you to adjust the automatically set water temperature and drum rotation speed.

In some Ariston automatic machines this cycle is designated as “Stain removal”. The water is heated to 90°C, spinning occurs at maximum speed, and the process takes 165 minutes. There is also an Antibacterial program, using which you don’t have to worry that pathogenic bacteria will remain on your things.

Whatever brand of machine you have, they are all similar when it comes to thoroughly removing dirt. Stubborn stains can only be washed in almost boiling water, at maximum speed and in no less than an hour and a half. Only cotton, linen and some synthetic products can withstand this test. If you take this important rule into account, then your favorite things will not lose their attractive appearance for a long time and will delight you with their cleanliness.

Other popular programs

Let's look at other programs that are popular among washing machine owners.

Quick 30. It may also be called quick or quick wash depending on the type of washing machine. However, the meaning of the program, regardless of the name, remains the same. This mode includes the process of washing, rinsing and spinning. All this is done in a short time (about 30 minutes);
Everyday. This program, like the previous one, runs quite quickly. However, it is much more intense. Using this mode, you can wash fairly dirty items in 40 minutes. This program cannot be used for delicate items.
Manual. It is also called delicate mode. This program is used for washing fabrics that require careful handling. For example, cashmere, silk or organza, etc.
Biophase. Using this mode, you can wash clothes stained with wine, fruit juice, etc. In other words, this program eliminates stubborn biological contaminants. Washing can be done in cold or heated water to 40 degrees Celsius.

So, intensive washing is used quite rarely. It should be used for washing heavily soiled laundry. The washing machine and laundry are subject to high stress when running this program. Therefore, you should not get carried away with it.

Additional functions

Most modern models of automatic machines contain a large set of additional functions that help solve all problems and satisfy the various requirements of housewives.

Delay mode

A convenient way to turn on the washing machine before going to work and take out the finished clothes when you come home in the evening. At the same time, they will not wait for the owner in the drum for several hours, already washed (crumpled and compressed).

It is important to load the detergent completely and set the clock to a delay start mode.

You need to read the instructions for the washing machine. First we set the current time and then program it for the desired turn-on time.

Video on how to delay automatic washing

Night

When using the night mode, the sound signal is turned off, as well as the spin cycle, which is noisy and can wake up household members and neighbors.

Water level control

When monitoring the required amount of water, the machine itself decides how much liquid to pour into the drum based on the weight and volume of the load in order to better wash and rinse things.

Spin balancing

The mode ensures uniform distribution of laundry during spinning and, if necessary, slows down the rotation of the drum by adjusting the speed. A very convenient tool for heavy loads, it prevents excessive vibration and movement of the device from its place.

Water clarity control

This mode is convenient to use for children's clothing and if household members are allergic to detergents. The machine determines whether the items have been rinsed sufficiently or whether the water is not clear enough and contains soap. If necessary, perform additional rinsing.

Spin

The function allows you to simply spin out wet items by selecting the spin force (rpm). You can quickly spin out hand-washed items, as well as those that did not leave the machine dry enough.

Drain

This function allows for simple (without additional operations) removal of water from the drum. For example, when a program crashes and things are retrieved.

Rinse and drain

A convenient way to simply rinse things and drain the water. Can be used if bad powder remains on the laundry after washing and rinsing.

Disabling spin

It is necessary to turn off the spin cycle when washing many items. For example, it is recommended not to wring linen items to avoid severe creasing, which makes ironing difficult. The machine simply washes, rinses and drains the water.

Extra rinse

The function allows you to rinse things more efficiently by adding water again and performing a full rinse cycle.

Easy ironing

Things wrinkle in the drum, mainly when spinning at high speeds. This mode (anti-crease protection) makes the push-up less aggressive and reduces the drum rotation speed. The laundry wrinkles less, but is less dry. You will have to dry it yourself, but it will be easier to iron.

Foam control

Excess foam does not affect the quality of washing, but simply clogs things with excess detergents. In this mode, excess foam formed during spinning and deposited on things is removed from the drum using a special pump.

Troubleshooting

A convenient feature that allows the washing module to identify its own problems. The operation of various parts of the device is tested and a fault code is displayed. The instructions usually indicate what problem the code corresponds to and how to fix it.

What fabric can be washed on an intensive cycle?

Not all fabrics can be washed intensively

Users of washing machines should be aware that not every fabric can withstand high temperatures and high-speed mechanical torsion in the drum. The clothing label should contain a recommendation about using an intensive cycle - this is the information that needs to be taken into account when choosing a washing program. What types of fabrics are suitable:

cotton or polyester;
natural linen;
artificial fabric or synthetics.

At the same time, you need to know that intensive washing of clothes occurs practically in boiling water - the temperature in the tank reaches 90-95 degrees. Experts say: things will be washed more thoroughly if the washing machine drum is filled to a maximum of 2/3 of the full load. But the minimum value must be at least 1/4, otherwise the operation is pointless.

How often do you turn on extreme sports?

The optimal frequency of extreme washing is no more than 2-3 times a month. Not all users are familiar with this mode and not everyone knows in what cases to use it. There is nothing bad for the machine that the enhanced washing function is not activated. The downside here is for users who cannot properly wash heavily soiled jeans or T-shirts. If you do not exceed the specified washing frequency, the SMA will not be affected.

What operations does the machine perform during washing?

After we loaded the laundry into the tank, added the detergent and conditioner and started the machine, any model from any manufacturer performs a standard set of actions. First, it draws in the required amount of water: standard for basic modes, and less for economical modes. Next, it heats the water, unless, of course, it is washing in cold water. After this, the washing itself occurs, the water is drained and the first spin is performed, then a rinse cycle, a final spin, and in some modern devices, drying and ironing of the laundry.

But there are some distinctive features that will harm some fabrics, while others can be effectively washed. This is exactly what the washing machine modes are.